NFL Condemns Harrison Butker's Speech At Catholic College - 'His Views Are Not Those Of The NFL'

A recent commencement speech to Benedictine College from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, a devoted Catholic, has garnered national attention and condemnation from the NFL. Butker's speech focused on topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion, President Biden's Catholic faith, and the role of women in society.

"Throughout the Covid fiasco and how you missed out on so many milestones the rest of us older people have taken for granted. While Covid might have played a large role throughout your formative years, it is not unique. Bad policies and poor leadership have negatively impacted major life issues. Things like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, as well as growing support for degenerate cultural values and media all stem from the pervasiveness of disorder," Butker said. "Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith but at the same time is delusional enough to make the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally. He has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I'm sure to many people it appears that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice."

"We need to stop pretending that the church of nice is a winning proposition. We must always speak and act in charity, but never mistake charity for cowardice," the Kansas City Chiefs player said, adding that he must preach truth to "be authentically and unapologetically Catholic."

"The world around us says that we should keep our beliefs to ourselves whenever they go against the tyranny of diversity, equity, and inclusion," Butker continued. "We fear speaking truth because now, unfortunately, truth is in the minority."

In response to his remarks, the NFL's senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane told PEOPLE, "Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."

Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn also went after Butker for his comments, writing, "Harrison Butker doesn't represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members." A change.org petition calling for Butker to be dismissed from the Kansas City Chiefs has also gained significant traction with over 115,000 signatures.

While many condemned Butker's speech, some came to his defense. "NFL player Harrison Butker has triggered the left by telling young men to be young respectable men," wrote commentator Breanna Morello on X. "If Butker was out here impregnating random women, partying every night and cross dressing the NFL would fully support him. Most Americans are fed up and agree with Butker's comments. Raise your sons to be more like Butker."

WATCH:

A https://t.co/ncqnFwPAMH petition is calling on the Chiefs to dismiss kicker Harrison Butker for making several dehumanizing remarks during his commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11th. Here’s what the three-time Super Bowl champion said about women, Pride Month,… pic.twitter.com/8iYltWDVLB

— Change.org (@Change) May 14, 2024

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